''I want to play football, regardless of what's happened and regardless of what's going on,''' linebacker Shawne Merriman said. ''Our hearts go out to everybody that's dealing with this right now. We have friends, we have family who are dealing with it even as we speak. But regardless of whatever happens, we have to play football.''

Chargers president Dean Spanos said about 40 people in the organization had to evacuate their homes, including Rivers, Merriman and coach Norv Turner.

The Cardinals have a bye this week, with no practices scheduled after a Wednesday workout.

''I think they're all coming together,'' Spanos said about the players. ''In some ways, this kind of brings them all a little bit closer. It's unfortunate the circumstances, but they're trying to make the worst situation the best possible situation that they can.''

The Chargers had a bye last week, so they hadn't practiced since Thursday.

''Obviously we're waiting to hear what's going to happen in San Diego, but the biggest focus for our football team is the next three days and our preparation,'' Turner said, ''because I know this. That game is going to be played. That ball is going to get kicked off. We can't do anything about the other things — where it's going to be or when it's going to be.''

''Things are improving, but there are still people in the stadium,'' NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said earlier in the day.

Nearly four years ago to the day, wildfires forced the Chargers to move a Monday night game against Miami to Sun Devil Stadium on the Arizona State campus. Fifteen players on the San Diego active roster were part of that move.

The Cardinals have since moved to their new stadium in suburban Glendale, but that facility is booked through Sunday by the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show.

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AP Sports Writer Bernie Wilson in San Diego and AP Football Writer Dave Goldberg in Philadelphia contributed to this report.